Today’s “Traditional” Hanbok

The traditional hanbok indicated status. Wearing bright colored hanbok once symbolized royalty and upper class. Dull colors were reserved for commoners and their special occasions.

Fast forward to the present-day. Nowadays anyone can wear anything as long as they have the money. In addition bright colors are at times seen as garish while dull colors can appear more sophisticated. Fashion designers continue to make traditional hanbok, but have fused them with their artistic vision.

The following hanbok are produced out of creative expression more than from today’s functionality. There are other types of hanbok modern Koreans wear for special occasions such as Lunar New Years and doljanchi (baby’s first birthday).